With no pretense to authorship or claim for originality on the part of the
compiler, this work is offered as a reference book. For many, the plain
facts of each year's Kentucky Derby will be of sufficient interest. To the
countless followers of Turf happenings the material herein will refresh
the memory and awaken happy reminiscence.
This compilation is made mainly from the columns of _The Thoroughbred
Record_, a Kentucky publication, and I am indebted to the graciousness of
its editor, Mr. John E. Rubbathan, for the privilege to use the material
from his invaluable repository. Mr. Douglas Anderson, author of "Making
the American Thoroughbred," by his encouragement has made light the labor
incident to compilation. To Mr. Gurney C. Gue, of the _New York Herald_, I
owe a debt of gratitude for his helpful advice.
In conclusion, if these efforts prove acceptable to my brethren of the
Turf and tend in any degree to promote and keep up the spirit of Racing,
the object in giving as much time to the subject as I have done, will be
accomplished and my end attained.